Kiir calls for talks on new UN force, says sovereignty comes first

Monday August 15 2016

In Summary

In a speech at the opening of parliament in the capital Juba on Monday, Kiir said more time and further negotiations were needed before the deployment of a new contingent with a stronger mandate.

"We need to be engaged in a discourse and exchange ideas on what is the best way forward, rather than be presented with a fait accompli from outsiders," Kiir said.

Kiir said he was "not instinctively or automatically" against the UN-mandated force but called for further "consultation and dialogue" and insisted sovereignty comes first, winning cheers from the assembled MPs in a parliament dominated by his loyalists.